The Warriors lose the first game of their road trip in Atlanta due to a defensive lapse.
Neither Steph Curry nor the Warriors defense traveled to Atlanta.
The Hawks hit 57% from the field during the game, and Golden State never stopped them after giving up 40 points in the first quarter. Center Onyeka Okongwu (22 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 assists) dominated the lane as Atlanta outscored the Warriors 60 to 44 in the paint.
The 124-115 defeat sets the stage for a two-week, six-game road trip. Golden State (41-30) holds onto sixth place by percentage points and is knotted with the Clippers in the loss column.
With Jimmy Butler back in the lineup, the Warriors are currently 16-3. They have already shown that they are capable of winning without Curry, but in State Farm Arena, where Golden State has lost six straight games, it did not seem possible.
After the game, Draymond Green told reporters, "It is a tough loss." "A terrible loss. With eleven games remaining, we have a chance to compete with something. You should not lose like that. The stakes are too high. You must win the games that are meant to be won.
Due to his recuperation from a pelvic injury, Curry did not accompany the squad to Atlanta. With 25 points and eight rebounds, Jimmy Butler led the Warriors in scoring, and Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody also contributed.
Before the Warriors' next game on Monday, Curry is scheduled for a re-evaluation. For the Warriors, having to play without Curry is not the worst thing, particularly if his ailment is not a chronic one.
Golden State upset the Bucks just this week sans Curry, who took the night off to rest and recover. It can help players prepare for the playoffs by teaching them how to play off Butler when he has to be more aggressive.
The Hawks are not a pushover, though. Even after making buckets, Atlanta, which has been fifth in points per game since the All-Star break, pushed the tempo and put the Warriors in a lot of trouble with their high pick-and-rolls.
In a 40-23 first quarter, Trae Young, who opened 3-for-3 with eight points and four assists, tore away the Warriors. In an attempt to make Young's teammates defeat them, the Warriors aggressively double-teamed him toward the conclusion of the opening quarter and beyond.
They did. Terance Mann also made a three-pointer, and Onyeka Okongwu hit two. Finally, everything was overthrown by George Niang.
Before Jonathan Kuminga found some rhythm in the second quarter, the Hawks had a 20-point lead. The fourth-year wing pulled up for a midrange jumper, converted a and-1 inside, then made Atlanta pay in transition with a layup. Moses Moody's corner three and his lift brought the Warriors within 13 points.
The Warriors were still unable to put together stops, even after Kuminga made a 3-pointer and then found Buddy Hield for another in the corner. In order to force the rookie center to make reads against Young in the pick-and-roll, Atlanta regularly placed Quinten Post into action. As organizations include more information in their scouting reports, posts have been targeted more frequently lately. In reference to the youngster, Curry once advised Post to maintain his composure when teams try to undermine him.
Okongwu, who finished the first half with 18 points, six rebounds, and five assists, was frequently the one who benefited from the Hawks' plan.
In order to get within six points, Post and Brandin Podziemski made three-pointers to start the second half. That duo went 8-for-12 from behind the arc throughout the game and has been in form lately.
At will, Atlanta continued to charge into the lane, finishing or kicking to open shooters. The Warriors gave up drives down the middle far too frequently. As the Hawks extended their advantage to 19, Golden State attempted to use Trayce Jackson-Davis. Golden State found it difficult to finish possessions with rebounds, even after forcing misses.
With 23 points off the bench and six 3-pointers, George Niang helped Atlanta overcome the Warriors' zone defense, which briefly appeared to be a tool for a comeback.
Draymond Green's locked-in defense and Gary Payton II's increased time spent checking Young were what truly spurred a comeback. The Warriors turned Atlanta over many times in the fourth quarter, and both Moses Moody and Podziemski got charges.
With 2:30 remaining, a Moody corner three put the Warriors ahead by eight points after they had gone on a 16–3 run.
But in the arena where they are unable to win, that was as near as they would go.
